CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- An official of the Department of Trade and Industry Region III (DTI-Central Luzon) warned the public Friday, October 27, to avoid falling prey to bogus sellers in the online world.
Consumer Welfare Protection Division Chief Ric Naguit, Jr. said that more Filipino consumers are becoming victims of cybercrime due to lack of education.
He said that the agency is now focused on conducting information dissemination to avoid the increase of cybercrime victims in the buy-and-sell sector.
"Marami pa rin kaming mga reports na natatanggap na nabibighani sila sa mga offer, siyempre malalaking pera tapos anytime na makukuha mo so kung hindi ka talaga aware, paniniwalaan mo e (We are still receiving reports that they get attracted with the offer. Of course, big money is offered so its natural, especially if you are not really conscious of it, you will believe it)," Naguit said referring to the public.
He said most victims are those that sent money or electronic loads to bogus companies after allegedly winning in a charity program.
However, Naguit said that bogus buyers have already invaded buy-and-sell groups on Facebook and other social media accounts.
"Kung minsan may makikita ka nakapost, nagpadala daw ng pera as payment tapos hindi matatanggap 'yung binili or minsan mali or fake. 'Yung mga simpleng ganon na nagba-violate na sa rights ng consumer (Sometimes you can see in the post that this someone have sent money but has not received the product yet, or for some its fake. This are simple violation of the rights of consumers)," he said.
To avoid becoming a victim, Naguit cited the famous slogan "Think Before You Click." He said that awareness is still the best armor against any fraudulent and deceitful acts.
He advised public to avoid having transactions to unfamiliar personalities or dubious accounts since they are mostly identified as bogus.